Introduction In addition to in situ measurements of small molecule permeability (Parts 1, 2 and 3), we wish to enable an assessment of permeability by sampling from the abluminal chamber of the µSiM in a manner similar to what is…
Category: memBrains
Theoretical Underpinnings of Small Molecule Permeability Measurements in the µSiM (Part 3: Application to Cell Barriers)*
This is the third installment in a series of posts focused on the development of a method for measuring barrier permeability in the µSiM. In Part 1 we discussed the goal of making these measurements in situ at a position…
10dynes/cm^2 Aline bottom channel
AlineFlowBottomChannel
10 dynes/cm^2 bottom channel Aline
AlineFlowBottomChannelSup AlineFlowBottomChannel
Basement Membrane Disruption by Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in the μSiM-hNVU
Note: a postscript regarding an assay to determine the activity of our MMP-2/MMP-9 inhibitor was added to this post on June 14, 2021. Introduction The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays an important role in maintaining brain chemistry by restricting the permeability…
New design of the flow platform with a functional lid (V2)
Introduction In a previous post, an initial version of the flow module and its sealing components were described. In order to improve the initial version based on collaborators’ feedback, several modifications have been made to simplify the device assembly for…
Posted in memBrains
Flow Cell/µSiM Testing – Push versus Pull Flow Modes
Introduction Static endothelial cell cultures have been routinely performed and optimized on the µSiM platform for multiple membrane and cell types. In order to increase the physiological relevance of our device with tissue vasculature mimetics, we need to incorporate fluid…
Multiplexed sequential brain endothelial cell cytokine secretion measurement from μSIM
Background Previously, we have demonstrated multiplexed digital sensing on MCP1, KC and TNFα secreted by RAW 264.7 cells stimulated in conventional cell culturing well plates. We observed decent TNFα and strong MCP1 response but no KC secretion from RAW cells…
Posted in memBrains
Human brain vascular pericyte viability in endothelial media
Introduction Mural cells, including smooth muscle cells and pericytes, are important for supporting endothelial cells in the vasculature [1]. They play a role in angiogenesis, and contribute to the development of the vascular basement membrane that provides structure for blood…
Monocyte Transmigration in μSiM Devices – Optimizing Microporosity for Future Studies
Introduction Infection or injury of tissue results in inflammatory signalling that motivates leukocyte recruitment to an inflamed location. Monocytes in particular are implicated in both pro inflammatory signalling through the M1 macrophage phenotype and regulation through the M2 macrophage phenotype.…
